AHI Travel Program
Senior Physicians Group (SPG) AHI travel schedule
AHI Travel, a company selected by the AMA for its members, offers SPG members all-inclusive educational programs conducive to learning, recreation and fellowship. Through a series of lectures, excursions and Meet the People exchanges, participants can become involved in the way of life of a local community and its surrounding area.
Use the following quick links to locate a trip by month.
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2010 AHI travel schedule
Cruise the Panama Canal - Jan. 23-Feb. 3
Relax aboard the Six-Star Crystal Symphony as you chart a course to fascinating ports of call. Set sail from Miami, Florida, for the stunning white beaches of Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Explore the tropical paradise of Antigua, Leeward Islands. Admire the verdant rain forests and impressive architecture of St. Lucia, Windward Islands, before arriving in cultural Aruba, Kingdom of the Netherlands. Marvel at one of the world’s most impressive feats of engineering as the ship travels through the six locks of the Panama Canal. Finally, cruise the calm waters of the Pacific Ocean to Caldera, Costa Rica. This exciting travel adventure combines some of the loveliest ports of the Caribbean with one of the world’s most luxurious cruise ships, ensuring the highest level of comfort and elegance while providing the unforgettable experience of traveling through the Panama Canal.
Treasures of South Africa - Feb. 2-16
A land of rich biological diversity and fascinating culture, the wonders of South Africa exceed the imagination. Experience historic cities, scenic highlights and exciting game drives during this program that encompasses the best of this storied country. Tour cosmopolitan Cape Town, ascend flat-topped Table Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views and cruise to historic Robben Island, site of Nelson Mandela’s incarceration. Admire the natural beauty of Cape Point and the Kirstenbosch Gardens, and observe the African penguin colony at Boulders Beach. Travel aboard the luxurious Rovos Rail to Matjiesfontein and the charming town of Kimberly. In Johannesburg, explore Soweto and the Apartheid Museum. Finally, enjoy a game-viewing safari at world-renowned Thornybush Game Reserve, where you can see the Big Five — lion, elephant, rhinoceros, Cape buffalo and leopard — as well as zebra, giraffe, kudu and more.
Treasures of South America - Feb. 20-March 6
Explore the majestic natural and architectural diversity in Argentina and Chile! Begin in cosmopolitan Buenos Aires, Argentina, and see the Teatro Colón, the Casa Rosada and the city’s European-influenced barrios. Then, transfer to Ushuaia to embark on a magnificent three-night cruise showcasing the glorious scenery of Patagonia. Cruise around Cape Horn, walk through a Magellanic forest at Wulaia Bay, enjoy a breathtaking glacier cruise and explore Magdalena Island. After disembarking the ship, travel to Puerto Varas, Chile, your gateway to the beautiful Lake District. Visit the lovely town of Santa Cruz before concluding in Santiago, Chile’s fascinating capital. Don’t miss this unique travel experience—a perfect blend of picturesque land and cityscapes, authentic South American cuisine and luxurious accommodations.
Cruise the South Pacific - March 28-April 11
Relax aboard the Six-Star Crystal Symphony on this travel program that combines the utmost in luxury cruising with the beauty of New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Add in the magic of Australia’s capital Sydney, and you have an adventure you won’t want to miss. From Auckland, New Zealand’s City of Sails, cruise to Napier, perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and known for its Art Deco architecture. Explore the cosmopolitan capital of Wellington, the lovely town of Picton and exciting Christchurch. Discover the Scottish heritage and scenic beauty of Dunedin before concluding in Sydney, Australia, where the past and present meet in a union that always delights.
Cruise the Magnificent Waterways and Canals of Holland & Belgium - April 13-21
There is no better way to experience the beauty, history and culture of Holland and Belgium than by cruising their legendary waterways. Enjoy Amsterdam, a beguiling city of canals and contrasts, then step into the historic town of Deventer. Visit The Hague and feel the reverberations of political history. Glimpse the scenes Vermeer immortalized in the picture-perfect vistas of Delft. Explore the renowned Zeeland coast, and learn about the Delta Works’ complex Storm Surge Barriers on Neeltje Jans Island. In Belgium, admire the amazing architecture and art of Bruges and the unrivaled charm of the important port city of Antwerp, the diamond capital of the world. Join us on this cruise through one of Europe’s most colorful and fascinating regions—and enrich your life with an educational adventure you will never forget!
Grand Journey Spain - April 22-May 4
Travel through the most historic regions of northern Spain. Follow in the footsteps of ancient Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans and Moors—peoples who once called this land home and who left behind extraordinary vestiges of their presence. All contributed to the rich traditions and colorful culture of modern Spain. This special program begins in cosmopolitan Madrid and also features five UNESCO World Heritage List sites: the old towns of Segovia, Ávila and Salamanca; Burgos Cathedral; and the architecture of Antoni Gaudí in Barcelona.
Sicily ~ Syracuse & Palermo - May 14-24
As a cultural crossroads of the ancient world, Sicily abounds with enchanting natural beauty, fascinating folklore and incomparable cuisine. Begin your discovery of this fascinating region in Syracuse. Located in Ortygia, it was one of the most important cities in the ancient world. Immerse yourself in Sicily’s scenic splendor during a drive to the volcanic crater of Mt. Etna. Admire the baroque architecture of the town of Noto and marvel at the Villa Romana del Casale in Piazza Armerina. Visit the remains of the Greek colony at Agrigento, described as “the most beautiful city built by mortal men” by the Greek poet Pindar. In Palermo, Sicily’s largest city, see stunning architecture and the mosaics of the cathedral in Monreale. Then, discover the mountaintop town of Erice, the impressive Doric temple at Segesta and picturesque Cefalù.
Scotland - June 27–July 5
Walk in the footsteps of William Wallace and Prince Charles Edward Stuart on this adventure showcasing the stunning countryside and fascinating history of Scotland! From Oban, travel to the Isle of Mull and its 13th-century Duart Castle. Cruise on Loch Ness and see if you can spot its famous resident! Admire the charm of the Slate Islands. See the stately castle in Stirling and the monument to William Wallace, then venture into the surrounding area with excursions to St. Andrews, the Home of Golf, and impressive Edinburgh. From age-old traditions to the delights of Scottish towns and cities, this travel program provides numerous experiences you won’t want to miss!
Ukraine – July 3-15
Steeped in tradition but driven by a vibrant modern spirit, Ukraine is rapidly forging a new identity within today’s Europe. Begin your journey in elegant Odessa, the Pearl of the Black Sea. Journey to Crimea and Yalta, whose Livadia Palace is the former summer residence of the Romanovs and site of the famous WWII conference. Learn about Cossack history in Zaporizhia, then see the delightful parks and squares of Kremenchuk. Admire the charming village of Kaniv and visit the Caves Monastery. Explore the magnificent capital of Kiev, where glittering domes await. Second in size of all European countries only to Russia, Ukraine is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Discover the storied heritage of this fascinating land!
Cruise the Aegean Sea - Aug. 4-16
Begin this epic adventure with two nights in Athens. Explore the famous Acropolis and walk along the streets of the Plaka district. See the pan-Hellenic sanctuary of Delphi, where centuries ago the oracle dispensed advice to all who came to seek her aid. Then, embark the elegant Wind Spirit. Cruise the storied Aegean Sea to idyllic ports on Greek islands and along the exotic Turkish coastline. Visit Mykonos, where traditional whitewashed windmills line powdery beaches. On crescent-shaped Santorini, legend lingers that this was once the location of the ill-fated city of Atlantis! Discover the incomparable landscapes of tranquil Rhodes; Bodrum, Turkey’s most popular seaside resort; and Kusadasi, known as the Gateway to Ephesus. Upon arrival in Istanbul, enjoy two nights in this stunning city on the banks of the Bosporus Strait that straddles two continents—Europe and Asia.
Cruise the Passage of Peter the Great - Aug. 18-30
Journey through the heart of Russia, beginning in St. Petersburg. Explore the city founded by Peter the Great, and marvel at one of the world’s most impressive art collections in the prestigious Hermitage Museum. Embark on a cruise to the amazing architecture of Kizhi Island, Goritsy and beautiful Yaroslavl. Admire the scenic countryside as you sail the Volga River from Uglich to Moscow. Then, explore the Tretyakov Gallery, and immerse yourself in Russian history. Visit Red Square and see iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral.
Canadian Maritimes - Sept. 4-13
Experience the maritime magic of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, where a magnificent, rolling landscape of green meets the brilliant blue of sky and sea. Immerse yourself in the unique cultures that thrive in the Canadian Maritimes: the First Nation people, French Acadians, Highland Scotsmen and Irishmen. Your journey begins in Halifax, Nova Scotia, your gateway to some of the area’s loveliest spots. Continue to St. John for an in-depth look at local culture, flora, fauna and topography, then travel to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island to admire its scenery and pay tribute to Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved Anne of Green Gables. Return to Nova Scotia with a visit to Baddeck, and enjoy an exhilarating drive along the Cabot Trail, as well as an informative visit to the Grand-Pré National Park.
Cruise the Danube - Sept. 7-18
Described by Napoleon as the “king of Europe’s rivers,” the Danube is steeped in beauty, legend and lore. Begin your discovery of its bustling metropolises, picturesque villages and breathtaking countryside in Budapest, Hungary. Visit the Buda and Pest sections of the city to see its famous landmarks, including the Gothic Parliament Building, Opera House and Heroes’ Square. After touring Bratislava, Slovak Republic, visit cultural Vienna, Austria, where the Ringstrasse, Hofburg Palace and other stunning highlights await. Cruise through the charming Wachau Valley, visit Melk, Austria, and then travel to Passau, Germany. Admire this lovely city before continuing to Prague, Czech Republic. Immerse yourself in its medieval ambience as you see the Royal Palace, Charles Bridge and other landmarks.
Saxony Cruise on the Magnificent Elbe River - Sept. 24-Oct. 2 (AMA's 2010 50-Year Anniversary Trip*)
Once divided, now reunited and always intriguing, Berlin is the perfect prelude for a journey into one of Europe’s most majestic and historic regions. Explore this vibrant city, then embark on a cruise down the lovely Elbe River to visit some of the most picturesque cities in Germany’s provinces of Brandenburg and Saxony. Discover regal Potsdam, the birthplace of modern Germany; Wittenberg, the epicenter of the Protestant Reformation; and Renaissance Torgau. Delight in charming Meissen, home of fine porcelain, and exquisite Dresden, the Florence of the Elbe. Sail through the breathtaking scenery of the Saxon Alps. Your voyage concludes in Prague, Eastern Europe’s City of One Hundred Spires that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries—a fitting finale to a storybook adventure.
Provence - Oct. 5-13
Discover the treasures of magical Provence—a land of colorful sunflowers and fields of lavender, lush vineyards and charming towns. Stroll through colorful markets where the stalls are brimming with local arts and crafts. Learn about wine and olive oil production, and enjoy some of the finished products. Immerse yourself in the artistic tradition of Provence while walking in the footsteps of van Gogh and Cézanne. Your base from which to explore this land of enchantment is Aix-en-Provence, a lovely town of impressive architecture, sun-drenched promenades and fashionable shops. Discover the villages of Les Luberon, view the impressive ruins at Arles and visit delightful Les Baux. Marvel at the magnificent palace at Avignon and the amazing Pont du Gard. Join us on this travel experience that promises to be magnifique!
Tuscany ~ Cortona - Oct. 6-14
From the innovations of the Etruscans to the enlightenment of the Renaissance, Tuscany is a region steeped in history and human achievement. Let the charming village of Cortona be your base as you travel through the surrounding Tuscan hill country, admiring the beauty of the land. In Siena, navigate narrow cobblestone streets lined with Gothic buildings, visit the magnificent Duomo, and stroll the Piazza del Campo, one of the loveliest squares in Italy. In the Umbria region, explore medieval Assisi, home to the exquisite Basilica of St. Francis, and Perugia, an ancient Etruscan city-state. Then, journey to tiny Montepulciano, set in the heart of Chianti Country. Finally, experience the brilliant artistic and architectural heritage of Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance.
Grand Journey China and the Yangtze River – Oct. 31–Nov. 13
No longer the “sleeping giant” described by Napoleon, China continues to hold its rightful place as one of the most fascinating countries in the world. Discover its finest cities, exotic countryside and storied history on this unique travel opportunity that showcases the many treasures of this fascinating land at an exceptional value. In Beijing, visit the Forbidden City palace complex, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. Admire breathtaking panoramas from the Great Wall. Discover Xi’an, home to the famous Terra Cotta Warriors that guard Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi’s tomb. Visit Guilin, famous for its unusual and beautiful landscape. Explore the region on a half-day cruise of the Li River. Continue to Chongqing to visit a zoo and see the region’s famous giant pandas. Then board the Viking Century Sun and cruise through the magnificent Three Gorges along the Yangtze River. Finally, arrive in Shanghai and explore the Bund and the serene Yu Garden.
*The AMA designates a trip to honor physicians graduation from medical school in 1960. All physicians and guests are welcome.
